Tomorrow Talk | Who Owns America's Businesses? The Case for Employee Ownership

As we prepare for the 15th Annual Tom Tom Festival (April 21–25, 2027), themed NEXTGEN, this Tomorrow Talk asks a fundamental question: Who will own the future of American business?

Over the next 15 years, more than 3 million Baby Boomer business owners will prepare to sell or step away from their companies, representing over $5 trillion in assets. As these businesses change hands, an important question emerges: who will own the future of American business? Employee ownership offers one answer, allowing workers to build wealth while helping preserve local businesses, jobs, and community roots.

Charlottesville entrepreneur Brendan Richardson is working to make employee ownership more accessible through his latest venture, Liquidus Partners. Join us for a conversation about the promise of ESOPs, the challenges of transitioning businesses to employee ownership, and what this model could mean for the next generation of American business.

Learn more: Full Session Description & Bios